Scout Picks

Double Gameweek 26 Scout Picks built on Man City and Everton assets

Players from Manchester City and Everton form the spine of our Double Gameweek 26 Scout Picks XI.

In a side chosen by David, Neale, Tom and Andy, we have included two players from both clubs ahead of a bumper round of fixtures.

We line up a in a 3-4-3 formation again, which comes in bang on our budget of £83.0m.

GOALKEEPER

Gameweek 21 Scout Picks features another Man City triple-up

Fulham’s Alphonse Areola (£4.5m) regains his place in goal for the Scout Picks XI. Fulham face-off against two of the worst attacks in the league on recent form, with Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at the bottom of the expected goals (xG) table for the last six games. Fulham’s defence has also improved in recent weeks, with the Cottagers only conceding five goals in their last six games.

DEFENDERS

Ruben Dias (£6.1m) is the Manchester City defender most immune to Pep Guardiola’s rotation, so he makes the Scout Picks. The Portuguese international has been at the heart of City’s defensive improvements, with them only conceding 15 goals in 25 games. Their recent numbers are just as impressive, with only two big chances conceded in their last six games.

Full-back Lucas Digne (£6.1m) makes his return to the Scout Picks ahead of a juicy Double Gameweek for Everton. Only Aaron Cresswell (£5.8m) has created more goals than Digne this season, and has had nine more starts. The Toffees also face off against West Brom, who have conceded the most goals this season, and Southampton, with no recognised first team right-back available.

Budget player Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.3m) takes up the final spot in defence. Due to an injury to Matty Cash (£5.0m), Aston Villa manager Dean Smith confirmed El Mohamady will be getting a run of games at right-back. At a rock-bottom price and with his place assured in the team, El Mohamady should bring in a decent haul from games against Southampton and Leeds.

MIDFIELDERS

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) continues to produce some of the best attacking numbers in the league, despite Liverpool’s slide down the table. The Egyptian has had the most big chances of all midfielders in the last six games, scoring four goals in that time. With two fixtures in Double Gameweek 26 including one against bottom of the league Sheffield United, Salah looks set to add more attacking returns to his impressive tally.

A staple in the team of nearly every Fantasy manager, Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) retains his place in the Scout Picks. Fantasy Premier League’s highest scoring player has the most assists of any midfielder in the league, and Salah is the only midfielder to score more goals. Manchester United’s second game sees them travel to Palace, who have the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) rating of all Premier League teams in the last six matches.

The in-form Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) takes up the third slot in our midfield. Barnes has taken his game to another level this season, scoring an impressive nine goals from midfield. Salah and Sadio Mané (£11.8m) are the only midfielders to have had more shots in the box than Barnes this season, so we’re backing the Leicester star to continue the form which has seen him deliver double-digit hauls in his last two games.

Ilkay Gundogan (£6.1m) takes up the final slot in our midfield. The German still offers incredible value in midfield, getting on the end of six big chances in his last six games, as well as having the highest xG and expected goal involvement (xGI) of all midfielders over that time period.

FORWARDS

Harry Kane (£11.1m) returns to lead the line for the Scout Picks in what could be a make or break Gameweek for Spurs’ season. Even after missing several games through injury, Kane is still joint-top goalscorer for forwards and has also had the most attempts on goal. Since returning from injury, the England international has also had the most shots in the box in the last three games.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin‘s (£7.7m) return to fitness sees him take up a spot in the Scout Picks. Calvert-Lewin has two plum fixtures against the league’s worst defence in West Brom, and against a Southampton side who have conceded 19 goals in six games. The England international had scored in consecutive games before his injury and will be a strong captaincy option for some.

With an ownership of just 0.5%, West Brom striker Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m) is a cracking differential option for Double Gameweek 26. Strong early displays have seen Diagne get on the end of five big chances in five games, and he has the highest xG rating of all forwards from the last four Gameweeks. If Diagne can start converting his impressive numbers into more goals against Brighton and a leaky Everton defence, then he will prove to be a powerful differential.

Substitutes

  • Sam Johnstone (£4.5m)
  • Luke Shaw (£5.1m)
  • Ola Aina (£4.5m)
  • Pedro Neto (£5.7m)

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

We choose the Scout Picks captain using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Because we use Fantasy Football Scout data so heavily in this process, the skipper we choose each Gameweek is known only to those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Double Gameweek 26:

1,587 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sp1122
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1. Bench boost with a non playing keeper (Steer)?

    Or

    2. -8 Robbo & Steer to Schmeichel & Reguilon (with GW29 in mind)

    1. Footieboot
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      -8 no brainer

  2. Diro
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have to go on a WC so :

    A) Kane, Salah, Raphinha, Cancelo
    B) Vardy, Son, Sterling, 4.3 def

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Please avoid Sterling at all costs.

      1. Diro
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        With B, I will have 2 ManCity midfielders, would you not ?
        If A), my team will be like yours but i would take 3 ManCity players as they have 2 DGW

        1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Edersen, Dias, and Gundo are the top 3 nailed players in City. You need to choke up as many points as possible to maximize on their four home fixtures.

    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A is more reliable as has 2 penalty takers in this Var crazy world. Can advice me below? Thanks

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Sterling possibly playing 2 fixtures is a put off in a team playing four at home in 2 GWks.

  3. FishHead
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On BB would it be a good idea or not to take -4 Sanchez to areola? Already have Martinez but unsure if it's actually worth it

  4. L S P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which Pereira would you rather start this GW?

    A) The DEF
    B) The MID

    1. Wooterr
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B) The MID

    2. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Def in mid

      1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        One of the best illustrations ever in FFS.

    3. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  5. Wooterr
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which 2 would you bench?
    Mee (tot, LEI) or Dallas (AVL), and
    Raphinha (AVL) or Bamford (AVL)

    or play both Mee and Dallas and bench Raphinha and Bamford?

    Thanks for your advice!

    1. valurth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have the same players but only have to play one. Currently playing Mee ahead of Dallas, Bamford, Raphina..

  6. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish -> Barnes easy move to make?

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      100% mate, can advice me below?

    2. makivelja
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Easy choice...

  7. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    All these Kane v Bruno TC questions can only mean one thing - Salah is going to outscore both of them

    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pool blanking at home does not inspire many I suppose.

  8. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these look better?
    1) Digne+ Son + Watkins
    2) Targett +Kane + Barnes(-4)
    Is Kane really worth -4 over Son with having to settle for Targett over Digne?

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Both good options. 2 if you are captaining Kane

    2. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Close call. I would take B.
      I have all that lot except Son

  9. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Friends, please: I'm using my TC, torn between Kane and Bruno, and I am

    (a) the leader of my mini-league, and
    (b) fairly confident my mate running up will TC Bruno.

    TC Bruno, right?

    1. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Your mate posted earlier, he’s TC Calvert Lewin!!!

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        DON'T DO THIS TO ME

      2. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I second his mate. DCL plays against two weak fixtures and the fight he put to get a pen vs City is a good sign of a mega haul.

        1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          *two weak defenses

    2. FantasyTony
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you're playing safety this early in the season, you've already blown it.

      Your pal needs to catch you. Follow your heart.

    3. valurth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      TC on Salah, just imagine if he goes on one of his runs 🙂

  10. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is there a functionality in FPL or any other site that can help you visualize on a single sheet/screen the teams your players face in future GWKs?

    1. Yunesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Try the better fpl and fpl tools extensions on chrome. I can't remember which one does it but they provide a 5 week opposition key underneath each player in your pick team page on the main site.

  11. Jerryblock
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What’s the best 5.0 budget defender for DGW26 and the following (including GW29 which will hold only 4 games)?
    - Targett (£4.9m) or Konsa (£4.6m)
    - Aina (£4.5m) but I already have Areola
    - Dier (£4.9m)
    Thanks guys

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Targett

    2. makivelja
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dier this GW

      1. Jerryblock
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is Dier nailed with Aurier back?

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Completely different positions.

          1. Jerryblock
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Agreed, so Dier nailed you think?

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              No. Mourinho has been mixing up centre backs after poor performances.

              I'd say he starts both if he plays well in the 1st game. No guarantee.

              1. Jerryblock
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Thanks man, so will go with Targett I think

  12. jbenny1107
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mee to Digne or Grealish to Son, can't do both.

    1. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son if dont have Kane, else Digne

  13. makivelja
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth to go -12 for:

    Ings > DCL
    Justin > Digne
    Maddison > Barnes
    Sterling > Salah?

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    2. FantasyTony
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  14. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Digne likely to outscore Gundogan this week? need a differential to climb up the ranks and Gundo likely to be rested for one of the games doesn't help...

  15. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    More nailed - Holgate or Godfrey?

  16. FantasyTony
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Diagne and Digne
    B) Keane and Watkins

    Who scored more this week?

  17. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will De Bruyne be back on penalties?

    Any chance of Ederson getting them? (I only hope he does a little bit as I’m transferring him in!).

  18. Teror
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bissouma > Gundogan (-8) for a bench boost?

  19. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On BB, would you take -8 for this?

    Dallas + Raphinha + Cavani > Digne + Barnes + Watkins

    (I am not convinced by Watkins rumour and willing to take the risk rather than bringing one of Diagne/Maja, FH29, WC31 btw)

    1. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes for BB

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What Watkins rumor?

  20. VaVaVoom14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why are a couple people on Twitter saying kane is injured? Any truth in this or just childish nonsense?

  21. Pandastar5
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    triple captain dcl or bruno?

  22. FPL FAN
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Bamford or get Barnes for Raphinha (-4)?

    1. MikeS
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play raphina

      1. FPL FAN
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Raphinha on the bench, didn't mention

  23. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Crazy to TC Salah?

    1. valurth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am, if he goes on one of his runs it will really kick you up the rankings. I’m currently around 16.000. Make or break to 1.000 🙂

  24. Jerryblock
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What about going for Digne (c)?

    Everton playing 2 weak attacking teams so potential for clean sheet is high and he has significant potential for attacking returns.

    1. valurth
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Find your differential TC, Salah for me but own Digne and absolutely not a bad Idea

  25. valurth
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth taking -4 for Mee for a Aston Villa defender (multiple uocoming doubles)?

    or just play him, otherwise benching 3*Leeds

    1. Jerryblock
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Aston villa don’t have any other doubles planned for now. But they play in GW29. If you are not BB I think the hit is not necessary

  26. Esalman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    RMWCT please
    Marinez
    Digne Stones Pereira Aina Coufal
    KDB Foden Bruno Barnes Saka
    Kane Richarlison Watkins

    GTG?

    1. DangerFC
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks fairly good. Hope pep roulette doesn't bite you now.

  27. And nothing else Mata'…
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who of three would you bet on Pep roulette for the DGW:
    A) Gundo
    B) Foden
    C) Mahrez

    1. MbOuse
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A will get minutes

  28. MbOuse
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Option 1: Ings and Fernandes Out. Kane and Barnes In (-4)
    Option 2: Ings Out and Calvert-Lewin In (Free Transfer)

    Thoughts?

    1. DangerFC
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Option 2. I don't understand why anyone would want bruno out he is the best player in the league at the moment. Even when he plays bad he scores points

      1. MbOuse
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks and agree - just worried about Kane TC's!

  29. DangerFC
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wc
    Am I gtg?
    Ederson, sanchez
    Shaw, digne, dias, targett, white,
    Bruno, son, barnes, raphinha, gundo
    Dcl, kane, vardy

    Much appreciated. I can save my team and sign off

  30. Bobby's Teeth
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi legends,

    What do you think about DCL's minutes this GW? Considering the two matches are less than 72 hours apart. Strongly considering him for captaincy, but that's the only lingering doubt.